A Shropshire and Powys-based funeral director has demonstrated his commitment to his community after hearing of a local veteran's plight and picking up the bill for his parking fine.
Aubrey Kirkham, Director of Shrewsbury, Four Crosses and Welshpool-based Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors, recently stepped in to support Shrewsbury veteran David Jackson, who was fined £60 for outstaying his disabled parking allocation by just a few minutes while laying a wreath to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.
77-year-old David joined the army in 1957 and served with the Royal Welch Fusiliers, an infantry regiment of the British Army and part of the Prince of Wales' Division, before becoming a prison officer. He parked in a private local car park while he attended a remembrance service at St. Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury and returned to find the penalty notice.
Aubrey Kirkham, the Funeral Director, explained: “Once I read the story regarding Mr Jackson’s fine in our local newspaper, I immediately wanted to help and stepped in to both take care of the £60 fine and to champion his cause. Once I’d made the car park owners aware of the case they dropped the charge, however he asked that I donate the money I reimbursed him to a cause close to his heart and he chose the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham as it’s the main centre for the treatment of wounded soldiers returning to the UK from active duty overseas, and he has a son serving in Afghanistan.
“After our meeting, I’ve been inspired by his story and have donated a further £100 to the hospital’s military wing to help further support their amazing and inspiring work. As a company, we’re committed to helping our local community as we can, even if it’s only a small token of appreciation to an elderly veteran who gave his support to our country,” Aubrey concluded.
For further information about Aubrey Kirkham Funeral Directors, please call Shrewsbury 01743 368999, Welshpool 01938 555099, or the Funeral Home in Four Crosses on 01691 839292. Alternatively, please visit the website via the link.
